As they approached the main square, more and more people were visible, the sound of music was getting louder and the smell of different foods invaded their nostrils, banners and pennants began to appear adorning the streets and especially the square, which on ordinary days used to be more spacious, but now it was all surrounded by stalls with the most diverse items, from food to games and souvenirs, the brothers are delighted with the diversity of the festival.

 At the end of the square, facing the main street, there was a stage, from which the delicate and lively music came. Behind the stage and at the end of a long staircase rose Aman Dir, the white castle, though the castle was originally white marble, it was now gray like a cloudy winter day, a reflection of the plight of Merion and the mage realms.

Aglia's eyes fall on the castle, she feels a tightness in her chest, not quite sure the cause, maybe it was the disappointment that there were so many wars between mages, maybe it was the bad government of the Regent. But whenever she looked at the castle she got the same feeling, something she couldn't explain. Algia however decided not to think too much about it, feeling that sooner or later she would find the answers she had been looking for, so she returned her attention to her brothers and the festival.

Lilla was already waiting for the two of them in line at Cassidy's booth, waving for them to join her.

“There are few people today, I only see residents here. No one from outside.“ Comments Rox in line watching the surroundings. “Not even elves.”

“You're right, these wars have taken more and more of the reasons for joy from everyone.” Aglia answers, the small line was advancing slowly. “Even knights can't celebrate. They are always sent to other realms in failed attempts at peace.”

“No wonder, the only time the Regent was really involved was when Rox and I were in his escort. And his words seemed to incite the war even more instead of ending it.”

"The regent's actions are suspicious, and I'm glad it's not up to him to choose knights, or we'd be unemployed." The three laugh.

The closer they got, the more tempting the sweet smell was coming their way, but to their delight they had to wait less than five minutes before their turn.

“Good morning, Cassady.” They greet in unison.

“Good Morning.” Answers the baker, laughing at her friends' mania.

“How are things going?” Asks Rox.

“For now, everything is quiet, the regent still hasn't shown up.” Cassady turns to put some scones in an oven, which she ignites using her fire magic. “Although I saw The Two walking around, it wasn't long ago.” The mage continues, adjusting the scarf in her gray hair.

“We've already met.” Lilla replies sullenly.

“They challenged us to a duel.”

Aglia brought her starstone, closer to Cassady's, debiting part of her working hours to pay for the scones.

The starstone, called Erishtar, is a small triangular-shaped stone, about ten centimeters high, with a circular hole in the center. Each mage has their own stone that uniquely resonates with their magic. Its uses are varied, but the main one is communication between mages.

“But it's not all bad news, I see you have your jewelry.” Rox comments, noting the earring Cassady wore, a multicolored, drop-shaped stone encased in a gold ring.

"Yes. I know it's customary to always wear your jewel, but I don't feel very comfortable wearing it all the time, jewels are much more useful for knights and farmers who use magic a lot, in addition to complex spells.”

The triplets exchange a quick glance. “We don't miss it that much.”

“Anyway, I don't think this earring suits me very well.”

"He looks really good with the color of your hair." Rox replies, slightly embarrassed.

“Still about jewelry.” Cassady says, taking the muffins out of the oven. “Haven't you received your call yet?"

“No, I believe we are doomed to have no jewelry.” Rox comments.

“It's weird, I mean, I've never heard of any mage getting the call after the age of sixteen. The only known case is of the former prince, who actually ignored the call for years.”

“I am intrigued by the mysterious disappearance of Prince Rean.” Comments Aglia.

“There are always some rumors that he was captured by Chernobog.” Cassady says, decorating the scones. “Here, I have something special for you today.” She hands over three decorated scones. “My special birthday recipe, congratulations on eighteen years.”

“Thank you, but our birthday is tomorrow, you didn't have to.”

“But you are here today, take it as an early gift.“ She winks at the triplets.

They leave the line and stand at the side of the stall enjoying their berry scones, Cassady's dishes were particularly tasty, but these far surpassed her regular scones.

“They’re divine.” They compliment, Cassady and even the brothers laugh for the sync. 

They remain there talking to their cook friend until Lilla pulls Aglia and Rox to the center of the square so they could dance.

Many of those who danced, and especially those who were on stage singing, wore brightly colored clothes, skirts, pants and waistcoats almost always adorned with beautiful flower embroidery and colored silk ribbons.

Everyone danced in a circle, mostly in pairs, jumping and spinning, every now and then a high-pitched scream erupted from the dancers, encouraging even more those who participated in the festival.